Have you ever asked why initial collision estimates almost always increase by the repair end?
Drivers get puzzled by changing costs in repair estimates. This happens because it’s hard to spot all vehicle issues at first. More damages found later and extra repairs can make the bill bigger.
What Is An Initial Collision Estimate?
An initial collision estimate, usually performed by an insurance adjuster, gives you an idea of what’s needed to fix your car after an accident. However… it’s important to note that in almost every case, that estimate is made ONLY on what is VISIBLE – without any vehicle disassembly.
Many things are looked at to give an estimate. How much you can see is damaged, what parts might be needed, and the cost of work are big factors.
The Insurance Company’s Primary Concern
You might believe that your insurance company is working on your behalf and that they genuinely care about paying for the correct repair of your car. However, with very few exceptions, the reality is that the insurance company is only interested in preserving their profits. To that end, the adjuster is instructed to cut expenses. They do that by writing your estimate for cheaper, often inferior-quality parts. Aftermarket, refurbished, or salvaged parts save the insurer money, but could compromise your safety.
Insurers Are NOT REPAIR EXPERTS
It can often be confusing to consumers who wish to believer that their insurer is “like a good neighbor”, or that they are “in good hands”. The fact of the matter, however, is that insurers are not repair experts. They are FINANCE experts. And the way they make money (and they make a LOT of money!) is by saving money on every claim. Their goal is to spend the very least for every repair, and YOU are the one who pays the ultimate price.
Visual Inspection Limitations
Visual inspections are the first check for vehicle damage. They catch obvious issues. However, they can’t find everything. They often miss hidden problems that may show up later. This means that visible damage is only part of the story.
The Influence of Disassembly on Estimates
After a car crash, disassembly by a repair professional often shows more damage than first thought. This step is key. It finds issues missed during the initial collision estimates, like structural harm, bad wiring, or mechanical faults. These could make the car unsafe or not work right. Insurers don’t fix cars. They might miss things that need fixing. A repair expert disassembling the vehicle fixes this by revealing the full damage. This helps get the repairs priced right.
The Impact of Non-OEM Parts vs. OEM Procedures
Choosing non-OEM parts and not following the original manufacturer’s guidelines can change your repair bill. At first, going for non-OEM parts seems cheaper. But, their quality and fit with your car may cause problems later. Insurers might want to use non-OEM parts to keep costs down, affecting your car’s quality and how long the fix lasts.
Sticking to OEM procedures may cost more, but it can make sure your car runs its best and keeps you safer.
Unforeseen Issues and Adjustments
During the repair, surprises can pop up, making the bill grow. Such surprises can make your first estimate just a starting point. And, dealing with the insurance for these changes can mean more time and costs.
Insurance companies and their “preferred” Direct Repair Programs want to save money but might not offer the best quality repairs. Making sure your repairs match the manufacturer’s specifications is always in your best interest, and protects the value of your vehicle.
Conclusion:
Talking openly with a quality, trusted repair shop is very important for accurate estimates. Experienced shops provide detailed lists of all repairs and parts needed.
Remember… the insurer is NOT IN THE REPAIR BUSINESS. Their only goal is to save themselves money and increase their profits. The body shop is responsible for performing safe and complete (correct) repairs. And for that to happen, they must use original equipment manufacturer parts, and follow OEM procedures.
